On May 19, 2016 AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, reported that they will provide an update on their extensive oncology pipeline at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) in Chicago, USA, on 3-7 June 2016 (Press release, AstraZeneca, MAY 19, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512562]).

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Highlights will include new data demonstrating the strength and versatility of AstraZeneca’s industry-leading line of DNA damage response (DDR) medicines in multiple types of cancer. New data will highlight the continued momentum behind AstraZeneca’s numerous immuno-oncology (IO) programmes, and showcase small-molecule developments including Tagrisso (osimertinib) in leptomeningeal (brain) disease and the highly-selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, acalabrutinib, in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Sean Bohen, Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Chief Medical Officer at AstraZeneca, said: "Oncology is a strategic priority for AstraZeneca because of the potential of our broad pipeline to offer transformational therapies in cancer care. At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), we will update on our next-generation portfolio focusing on DNA damage response as a breakthrough paradigm in cancer treatment, including new long-term overall survival data for Lynparza. Our increased commitment to DDR therapies complements developments in our exciting immuno-oncology pipeline, from which we are expecting clinical results over the coming year."

DDR: A promising scientific platform, a leading position for AstraZeneca

DDR is a term describing the network of cellular pathways that minimise the daily impact of DNA damage. Currently, many cancers are known to have defects in DDR pathways, which makes them dependent on and therefore, highly sensitive to inhibition of the remaining DDR pathways. Targeting DDR deficiencies to preferentially kill cancer cells, while minimising the impact on normal cells, has potential for more selective, better tolerated therapies to improve survival in multiple cancers.

AstraZeneca is developing a comprehensive pipeline of compounds that target molecular pathways across the DDR system. These include the PARP inhibitor Lynparza (olaparib); Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775, ATM inhibitor AZD0156; ATR inhibitor AZD6738, and Aurora B Kinase inhibitor AZD2811. These compounds act on different cell-cycle points to prevent tumour cells from reproducing.

At the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) congress, DDR presentations will highlight:

The potential for maintenance of DDR therapies as shown by Lynparza overall survival data from Study 19 in ovarian cancer (Abstract # 5501). This abstract has been selected as a "Best of ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)" abstract.
Opportunities for combination approaches with DDR and immuno-oncology therapies as shown in a Phase I study of the PD-L1 inhibitor, durvalumab, in combination with Lynparza or a VEGFR inhibitor, cediranib, in women’s cancers (Abstract # 3015)
The importance of selecting patients with a DDR pathway defect using the right diagnostic tool (abstract #4041)
The potential of DDR therapies against multiple biological DDR targets in different tumour types, with studies of the highly-selective WEE1 inhibitor, AZD1775, in advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (Abstract # TPS5610), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) (Abstract # TPS6106), advanced solid tumours (Abstract # TPS2608) and glioblastoma (GBM) (Abstract # 2008)
Immuno-Oncology: Robust development momentum on track for read-outs in H1 2017

AstraZeneca is leading in a number of first-line studies with its IO strategy, where combined PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade – through the combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab – may address a significant unmet medical need for cancer patients who may not benefit from PD-1 pathway drugs in monotherapy.

Key updates include presentations covering pre-clinical data, late-stage trials and biomarker research:

Early study results of durvalumab monotherapy in urothelial bladder cancer from Phase Ib Study 1108 (Abstract # 4502)
Final results from a Phase III study of tremelimumab in mesothelioma (Abstract # 8502)
New study results on safety and clinical activity of durvalumab as first-line treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Abstract # 9029)
Ongoing investigation of the potential synergistic effects of durvalumab and the CTLA-4 inhibitor, tremelimumab, in bladder cancer (DANUBE trial – Abstract # TPS4574) and SCCHN (KESTREL trial – Abstract # TPS6101)
Enhanced understanding of PD-L1 biomarker expression in relation to primary versus metastatic tumours and sample age (Abstract # 3025)
Tagrisso in brain metastasis; acalabrutinib in CLL

AstraZeneca’s strong heritage in developing innovative targeted small molecules was underscored by the recent approval of Tagrisso as the first indicated treatment for EGFR T790M mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC in the US, EU and Japan. At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), new data will highlight the importance of Tagrisso activity in leptomeningeal disease through its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Further presentations will show the growing role of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Key updates will also include presentation on the potential of our potent, highly-selective BTK inhibitor, acalabrutinib, in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL):

Data from the BLOOM study of Tagrisso in patients with leptomeningeal disease as a complication of EGFRm-metastatic NSCLC (Abstract # 9002)
Intensive plasma ctDNA profiling in experimental trials to identify markers of acquired drug resistance (Abstract # 11530)
Acalabrutinib – preliminary results from a first-line study as first-line therapy in CLL (Abstract # 7521) and in a Phase II study in combination with pembrolizumab in metastatic pancreatic cancer (Abstract # 4130)

On May 19, 2016 (GLOBE Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYCC) (NASDAQ:CYCCP) (Cyclacel or the Company), reported the publication of an abstract selected for an oral presentation on Phase 1 data of an orally administered, combination regimen of seliciclib and sapacitabine in 67 patients with advanced solid tumors at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago (Press release, Cyclacel, MAY 19, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512573]).

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Abstract: 2503
Title: Phase I study of sapacitabine and seliciclib in patients with advanced solid tumors
Date/Time: Monday, June 6, 2016 9:00 a.m. to 9:12 a.m. CDT
Location: E354b
Session Title: Developmental Therapeutics — Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Authors: SM Tolaney1, J Hilton1, JM Cleary1, L Gandhi1, EL Kwak1, JW Clark1, A Wolanski1, T Bell1, SJ Rodig3, JH Chiao2, D Blake2, G Shapiro1
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA; 2 Cyclacel Ltd, Dundee, United Kingdom; 3 Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA.

The abstract can be accessed through the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website, www.asco.org.

On May 19, 2016 Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: PVCT, www.pvct.com), a clinical-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company ("Provectus" or "the Company"), reported the availability online of an abstract titled "Intralesional rose bengal for treatment of melanoma" to be presented as a poster at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) ("ASCO") being held in Chicago June 3-7, 2016 (Press release, Provectus Pharmaceuticals, MAY 19, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512598]).

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To see this abstract, visit: View Source

The poster for the abstract, ID: TPS9600, is scheduled for presentation June 4, 2016, running from 1:00-4:30 Central Daylight Time.

On May 19, 2016 Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based and other molecular diagnostics, reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

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Recent developments include:
Expanded molecular diagnostics test menu with the launch of three new product offerings in common hematologic cancers and solid tumors;

Received conditional approval status from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) for RosettaGX Reveal, the Company’s novel microRNA classifier for the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) smears;
Entered into an agreement that establishes health insurance access to Rosetta’s entire suite of diagnostic tests and services with America’s Choice Provider Network (ACPN), an independent multispecialty national provider network; and

Granted U.S. patent allowance for use of gene expression signature for classification of kidney tumors and granted European patent allowance for use of microRNA molecules for the treatment of liver cancer.

Management Commentary
"We are especially pleased to report record quarterly clinical testing revenues as it demonstrates the progress we have made in expanding our molecular diagnostics test menu, selling our clinical testing products and improving collections," said Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. "Throughout the first quarter we completed the revamping of our sales force and invested in our billing and collections department. The results are reflected in our growing revenue and expanding customer base, as well as in improved collections. Further, these changes position us to drive revenue growth throughout the balance of the year and beyond.

"The commercial launch of RosettaGX Reveal continues to be a prime focus for our team. We expect the positive performance data from our blinded validation study to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in the coming weeks. These data demonstrate exceptional performance and we anticipate that a journal publication will strongly support our reimbursement and sales efforts. In addition, our revamped sales team has been able to use RosettaGX Reveal to access new accounts to promote not only our exceptional thyroid offering, but also to promote our urologic cancer and solid tumor product lines. Since the beginning of the year, these promotional efforts resulted in the acquisition of over 30 thyroid customer accounts and over 60 new customer accounts for our urology and solid tumor businesses.

"Our work for the balance of the year will continue to focus on driving revenue growth in both our base business as well as with our new products, such as RosettaGX Reveal, expanding reimbursement, improving collections and advancing our clinical development programs, which should position us to achieve a number of important milestones that will enhance shareholder value," concluded Mr. Berlin.

First Quarter Financial
Results Please note that the pro forma comparisons below are meant to provide a comparison as if the PersonalizeDx acquisition occurred on January 1, 2015. The actual acquisition date was April 13, 2015.

Revenues for the first quarter of 2016 increased 711% to $2.6 million compared with revenues of $321,000 for the first quarter of 2015, and increased 27% compared with pro forma revenues of $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2015.
Revenues from urologic cancer testing services in the first quarter of 2016 were $1.4 million, an increase of 7% compared with pro forma revenues of $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2015, and represented approximately 54% of clinical testing revenues for the quarter.

Revenues from solid tumor testing services in the first quarter of 2016 increased 272% to $1.2 million compared with revenues of $321,000 for the first quarter of 2015, and increased 58% compared with pro forma revenues of $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2015. Solid tumor testing services represented nearly 46% of total clinical testing revenues during the first quarter of 2016, with the balance coming from RosettaGX Reveal.

Cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2016 increased to $1.7 million compared with $352,000 for the first quarter of 2015, due to the acquisition of PersonalizeDx leading to a higher volume of processed samples, as well as to increases in personnel and infrastructure.

Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2016 increased to $842,000 from $748,000 for the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to increased activities in Thyroid and other areas.

Sales, marketing and business development expenses for the first quarter of 2016 increased to $1.9 million from $1.6 million in the prior-year period due to a larger commercial footprint as a result of the acquisition of PersonalizeDx.

General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2016 increased to $2.2 million compared with $1.4 million for the same period in 2015, with the increase primarily due to increased personnel and activities related to the acquisition of PersonalizeDx.
The operating loss for the first quarter of 2016 was $4.0 million, which included $230,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared with an operating loss of $3.8 million for the first quarter of 2015, which included $276,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

The net loss for the first quarter of 2016 was $4.0 million, or $0.20 per ordinary share on 20.7 million weighted average shares outstanding, compared with a net loss for the first quarter of 2015 of $3.9 million, or $0.30 per ordinary share on 12.8 million weighted average shares outstanding.

On a non-GAAP basis, excluding $230,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, the net loss for the first quarter of 2016 was $3.8 million, or $0.18 per ordinary share on 20.7 million weighted average shares outstanding. For the first quarter of 2015, excluding the $276,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, the non-GAAP net loss was $3.6 million, or $0.28 per ordinary share on 12.8 million weighted average share outstanding.

Balance Sheet Highlights
As of March 31, 2016, Rosetta Genomics had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and shortterm bank deposits of $12.6 million compared with $13.6 million as of December 31, 2015. The Company used approximately $2.6 million in cash to fund operations during the first quarter of 2016, and collected approximately $2.7 million in cash from its clinical testing services in addition to $1.6 million in cash receipts from a licensing deal signed in December 2015. Based on the Company’s current operations and plans, which include a cost-reduction plan should it be unable to raise sufficient additional capital, if necessary, Rosetta Genomics expects its current cash position will fund operations for at least the next 12 months.

On May 19, 2016 MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: MBVX), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology drug development company, reported that Paul Maffuid, PhD, Executive Vice President of Research and Development, will discuss MabVax’s unique approach to the discovery of fully human antibodies to cancer antigens and the resulting lead HuMab-5B1 clinical projects in a presentation at America’s Antibody Congress in San Diego on May 19-20, 2016 (Press release, MabVax, MAY 19, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512575]).

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Dr. Maffuid will outline the unique approach that MabVax has taken to the discovery of novel fully human antibodies from cancer patients vaccinated against their cancers. The discovery platform surveys the immune response of many patients by interrogating single B-cells from these patients who are producing antibodies against the intended target. These antibodies are then cloned, retaining the natively paired heavy and light chains of the antibody, and produced recombinantly. To date, MabVax has identified multiple antibodies with the selectivity, affinity, and cytotoxicity necessary to make them clinical development candidates. MVT-5873 is the company’s lead clinical development product and currently in a Phase I clinical trial in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. MVT-5873 (HuMab-5B1) is currently being evaluated at three centers in an open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation Phase I clinical trial as a single agent and in combination with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. MVT-2163 (89Zr-DFO-HuMab-5B) is the company’s lead immuno-PET imaging agent that utilizes the targeting specificity of MVT-5873. MVT-2163 will open as an open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation Phase I clinical trial early in June. MVT-1075 (177Lu-DTPA-HuMab-5B) is the company’s radioimmunotherapy agent and third clinical program from this platform. The radioimmunotherapy product is planned for introduction into the clinic early in 2017.

The MVT-5873 Phase I trial is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of MVT-5873 as a single agent or in combination with the current standard of care chemotherapy regimen in subjects with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The first cohort of patients is being enrolled in a traditional dose escalation regimen to assess safety and determine the optimal dose of the antibody. A second patient cohort will establish the safety and optimized dose of the antibody when administered with standard of care chemotherapy and a third patient cohort will be administered the optimized dose of antibody as a single agent for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer.

Dr. Maffuid will also present information regarding a second Phase I trial scheduled to begin in the next few weeks. This trial will evaluate MVT-2163, also based on HuMab-5B1 antibody, as a next-generation PET imaging agent for the diagnosis and management of patients with pancreatic cancer. When the antibody is combined with a radio-label as a novel PET imaging agent, the 89Zr-HuMab-5B1 product has demonstrated high-image resolution of tumors in established xenograft animal models, making it attractive diagnostic agent for detection of metastatic pancreatic cancer and for use in combination with the HuMab-5B1 therapeutic product.

The company is currently completing preclinical development activities to support filing an Investigative New Drug Application (IND) for MVT-1075 with the FDA later this year. A summary of preclinical data will be presented which demonstrated effectiveness in established xenograft animal models demonstrating potential as an therapeutic agent.

MabVax anticipates discussing preliminary results from both Phase I trials during the third quarter of this year.